What’s new with Wi-Fi?

There are several new developments and advancements in Wi-Fi technology that are changing the way we connect to the internet. Some of the latest trends in Wi-Fi include:

1. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Wi-Fi 6 is the latest wireless standard, offering faster speeds, increased capacity, and improved efficiency compared to previous generations. Wi-Fi 6 supports more simultaneous users, reduces latency, and uses advanced features like orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) and multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) to improve network performance.

2. Mesh Wi-Fi Networks: Mesh Wi-Fi networks are becoming increasingly popular, especially in larger homes or buildings where traditional Wi-Fi networks may struggle to provide adequate coverage. Mesh networks use multiple access points to provide seamless coverage across a larger area, ensuring a strong and stable connection throughout the space.

3. Wi-Fi 6E: Wi-Fi 6E is a new extension of the Wi-Fi 6 standard that adds support for the 6 GHz frequency band, which provides additional bandwidth and less interference than the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This technology is expected to deliver even faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance for advanced applications like virtual reality, video conferencing, and gaming.

4. WPA3: WPA3 is the latest security protocol for Wi-Fi networks, providing improved encryption and security features compared to the previous WPA2 protocol. WPA3 is designed to protect against common attacks like brute force password cracking and is also more resistant to attacks against weaker passwords.

5. Internet of Things (IoT): Wi-Fi is also playing an increasingly important role in the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). As more devices become connected to the internet, Wi-Fi is becoming a critical component in managing and controlling these devices, allowing users to monitor and control everything from smart thermostats and lighting systems to security cameras and home appliances.

6. Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah): Wi-Fi HaLow is a new low-power Wi-Fi standard that operates in the sub-1 GHz spectrum, providing extended range and better penetration through walls and other obstacles. Wi-Fi HaLow is expected to be particularly useful for IoT applications that require long battery life and low power consumption.

7. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh: Wi-Fi CERTIFIED EasyMesh is a new certification program designed to ensure interoperability and compatibility between different brands of mesh networking equipment. The program aims to make it easier for consumers to set up and manage mesh Wi-Fi networks, regardless of the brand of equipment they use.

8. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of Wi-Fi technology, expected to be released in the next few years. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to provide even faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better support for high-bandwidth applications like virtual and augmented reality.

9. Wi-Fi-as-a-Service: Wi-Fi-as-a-Service (WaaS) is a new model for delivering Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly in public spaces like airports, hotels, and stadiums. WaaS providers install and manage Wi-Fi equipment and software, allowing businesses and organizations to offer Wi-Fi access to their customers and visitors without the need to manage the network themselves.